Jet propelled balloon



June 14, 1960 H. A. MAUCH 2,940,213

JET PROPELLED BALLOON Filed May 4, 1955 INVENTOR. Ala/V5 l2 MfiUC/l 4//- Train/17" United States FPatent O JET PROPELLED BALLOON Hans A. Mauch, 4418 Airway Road, Dayton, Ohio Filed May 4, 1955, Ser. No. 505,966

17 Claims. (C1. 46-88) This invention relates to a new and improved jet propelled novel balloon toy which is inexpensive to fabricate and offers a maximum of ingenuity in the invention thereof with a corresponding great amount of pleasure provided thereby to children in the use thereof. The invention as presented herein constitutes an improvement of my invention entitled Jet Propelled Toy which is the subject of U.S. patent application Serial No. 445,614,

filed July 26, 1954, and since abandoned, and this patent application accordingly forms a continuation in part thereof.

The novel improved toy which constitutes the subject invention employs in conjunction with an inflatable bal- '4 loon of generally aerodynamic shape a jet defining bladelike element secured in the inflation opening therein. This blade-like element may be formed of sheet or strip material which is substantially rigid yet easily formable such as plastic, or it may be molded of plastic or any similar material afiording the same properties. The blade-like element is so formed to both aiford means for inflating the balloon element when secured in the inflation opening therein and to provide an escape of air from the balloon on release thereof after inflation so as to efiect balanced twisting propulsive jet air strains and a resulting stabilized spinning and upwardrocketlike ascent of the balloon to heights of over fifty feet, and even though the balloon is a toy balloon. An important feature of the invention, as has been indicated generally in my above identified invention is the aerodynamic con figurationof the balloon. For superior novel results it is contemplated that the balloon employed should have a construction in'the uninflated condition such that the closed end of the balloon opposite the inflation opening shall be the first to inflate and last to deflate. This may be accomplished for example by dipping the balloon so that the outer closed end of the balloon is of thinner material than the balance of the balloon so as to inflate first. This insures that substantially all of the air introduced in the balloon on inflation thereof is utilized for propulsive 'eflFect in an upward direction when the balloon is released. Another important feature of this invention is that the formed element employed to provide the twisting stabilizing propulsive jets of air from the balloon on release thereof after inflation may be formed in an exceedingly simple inexpensive fashion from sheet plastic, for example, so as to eflfect an air diverting arrangement that causes two balancing jets, in nature diverging initia'ily in opposed directions relative the central axis of the inflation opening of the balloon whereby a positive stabilized rocket-like propulsion of the toy balloon results with an accompanying jet noise to provide extreme pleasure for children.

An object of this invention is to provide a novel improved jet propelled toy balloon.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel improved jet propelled balloon toy wherein a jet pro- 'ptilsive "eifect is effected thereto in stabilized rocket fashion by a formed-blade like element secured in the inflation opening of a balloon of generally aerodynamic configuration so as to provide two balancing jets of air from said opening upon inflation of the balloon and release thereof, which jets initially diverge relative the central axis of the inflation opening in such a manner as to promote a twisting propulsive jet air stream and a spinning stabilized rocket-like ascent of the top balloon over fifty feet in the air.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a new and novel improved jet balloon toy employing a blade-like element in the inflation opening of a balloon, said blade-like element being so formed as to permit inflation of the balloon and the escape of balancing initially relatively diverging jets of air therefrom on release thereof after inflation so as to elfect a twisting stabilizing propulsive jet air stream and a resulting substantially vertical rocket-like ascent of the toy.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and novel blade-like element for insertion in the inflation opening of a toy balloon of generally aerodynamic shape so as to permit inflation of the balloon and on release thereof to effect a balancing arrangement of jet air streams initially diverging relative the central axis of the inflation opening to effect a stabilized spinning upward rocketlike propulsion of the toy balloon to substantial heights with an accompanying humming noise to the great delight of children.

Other objects and advantages of the invention and variations thereof will become readily apparent to those versed in the art from the following description'thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 generally shows a toy balloon of the preferred aerodynamic configuration with the novel blade-like jet defining element secured in the inflation opening therein whereby the novel jet propelled balloon toy obtains.

Fig. 2 shows the details of the novel formed blade-like element utilized in the inflation opening of the balloon shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows the details of a modification of the bladelike element shown in Fig. 2 which modification may be similarly employed in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of the blade-like element shown in Fig. 3 taken at the inflation opening of the balloon.

Fig. 5 shows a further modification of the blade-like element that may be employed with a balloon of generally aerodynamic configuration'to efifect an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows in perspective fashion a modification of the novel blade-like element produced in a preferred form and including retention means eifective on insertion of the element in a balloon.

Fig. 7 shows another modification of the invention wherein a corrugated effect is employed and the blade element is twisted in the form of a helix so as to form two initially diverging jet passages in conjunction with the inflation opening of the balloon when secured therein.

The invention can best be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A general assembly of the novel toy is shown in Fig. l to consist of a balloon B of generally aerodynamic shape which is formed preferably to inflate first at the closed end thereof opposite the inflation opening for maximum efliciency of the toy. This may be insured by forming the balloon so that the closed end thereof has a larger cross-section than the rest of the ballon. A blade-like element M preferably having a trapezoidal configuration as shown is secured in the inflation opening of the balloon. As can be seen from Fig. 2 of the drawings, the element M comprises a flat sheet-like section It of generally trapezoidal shapeand having side flanges 2 and 3 thereon of an identical nature and respectively'bent from the plane of section 1 in op- ,posed directions. The element -M is held in frictional engagement in the means defining the inflation opening .of the balloon by theflanges 2,and ,3 which eifectans or Z shape to the blade; The section,,1 is, centrally 7 of the balloon in opposed fashion.

In the use of the novel toy, due to the shaped crosssection of the element'M atthe inflation opening of the V balloon, by putting the mouthpiece 'of the balloon in the mouth, the balloon maybe orally inflatedas any toy balloon, the closed end of the balloon opposite the infla-. 7

tion opening inflating first in the preferred manner. due to the fabrication 'thereof specified previously herein. Upon inflation, the inflation opening of the balloonis held closed by the fingers and then released The inflating air will then escape in metered fashion from the spaced channels defined'by the formed blade-like element M and the means defining the inflation opening of the balloon to be oppositely directed initially in diverging opposed relation relative the central axis of the balloon opening by the oppositelydirected tabs 5 and 6 respectively, inducing a twisting stabilizing jet air stream.

This results in a stabilized spinning of the balloon as the balanced jets provide a rocket-like ascent of the balloon to heights of over fifty feet. This ascent is accompanied by a humming noise due to the vibration of the free length of the balloon at the inflation opening which is enabled by the configuration of the blade-like element M. This noise further causes simulation of jet action by the device.

The blade-like element M isv preferably formed from sheet or' strip plastic in the most inexpensive fashion as is clearly obvious from the drawings, and it provides by such ingenious formation as is effected a novel highly i111? proved result in the art; a result never before truly accomplished though the solution has been attempted for many years to provide a simple inexpensive jets propelled toy balloon that would'really work efficiently. The pres ent invention provides' therdefinite solution to this long investigatedproblem and this has been shown to the sat:

V isfa'ction'of those versed in the art byfe xtensive highly successful demonstration of embodiments fof the inventlol'h 7 A V v Icon with the free length of the means defining the inflation opening of the balloon being vibrated by the escaping jets of air to simulate a rocket noise as the balloon is propelled upwardly. It is to be noted in the case of all modifications of the toy presented that with fabrication of the balloon so as to inflate first at the closed end opposite the inflation opening, as has been successfully demonstrated, on the inflating air being metered from the balloon the air will leave the closedend last and thus all the inflating air is'utilizedinthe rocketlike propulsion of the balloon on releasethei'e'of and the balloon. reaches a fully deflated condition before. the actual ascent of the balloon is halted'in' use. 7 w 7 Fig. 5 of the drawings shows 'a further modification of the novel formed blade-like element M. Here a section 21 of preferably generally trapezoidal shape is employed also but here a modified cross-section is effected thereto at the inflation opening of, the balloon. In this instance there are four bends inthe element 21 in cross-section. Equal and oppositely deflected triangular outer sections 22 and 23, bent so as to be generally vertical to the central plane of the element 21, are provided so as to maintain the spread of the inflation opening of the bal' loon. There is a. central bent section 24 in the element 21 which is of a triangular configuration but smaller than sections 22 and 23 so that wherijthe element 21 fis in: serted in the inflation opening offaballoon, "the-free length of the rubber at the inflation opening is increased so as to facilitate noise producing vibrations thereby. The bends are such as to provide a straight line extremity to the outer end or base of the element 21 as secured in the inflation opening in a-balloon, but the'flat sections 25 and 26 of the element 21 intermediate the inner and outer longitudinal bends therein diverge inwardly to the inflation opening relative the central axis thereof. This relation of thismodification of the invention tothe means defining the inflation opening of a balloon as' secured V therein provides jet defining air metering channels which. diverge oppositely in uniform fashionrelative the Central 'rected initially in relatively diverging jet fashionthroiig h Fig. 3 of the drawings presents a further form of blade-like element that may be employe d.and consists of a generally trapezoidal shaped element 11 of. plastic sheet material or the like bent centrally thereof toprovide a cross-section comprisinga central substantially vertical portion 12, which centrally maintains the spread of the inflation opening of the balloon B when secured therein as indicated in Fig. 4 of the drawings, andtwo oppositely extending substantially parallelrportions 13 and 14 respectively in engagement with the means defining the in-.

flation opening of the balloon. This provides a substantially Z-shaped cross-section to the element M as indicated in Fig. 4 of the drawings to define two jet passages 15 and '16 from the balloon. In a manner similar to the modification of Fig. 2 of the drawings, tabs 17 and 18 the channels provided by the 'fonned bladelike element 21 in conjunction with the ballooh inflation opening in which it is secured to effect a rocket-likefascent of the balloon toy. This rocket-like ascent results from the balanced twisting jet streameffectedby the particular channeled metering of the inflating airffroni the balloon by the so formed blade-likeelernent 21. Here'also great hei hts will be effected by the balloon on releaseland jet 7 propulsion thereof resulting. -The balloon,flight will be are integrally connected to the spaced sections 13 and 14 of the element 11 and bent away from the respective planes thereof in opposite directions diverging relative the central axis of the inflation opening of the balloon. In

the employment of this modification of the invention,

upon oral inflation of'the balloon element B and release thereof as described with reference to the previous modification, the air is metered out through spaced channels 15 and 16 to be deflected in opposed diverging relation relative the central 'axis of the inflation opening of the balloon to induce a twisting jet air stream and a resulting stabilized spinning and rocket-like ascent of the balaccompanied by a jet noise as'in the other modifications presented. Herealso the cross-sectional configuration of the blade-like element may be eitherHS or generally '2 shaped in the plane of its 'engagement'with the means defining the inflation opening of the balloon.

The invention'modification of a preferred nature is shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. This modification also eflects a generally trapezoidal tailin plan view. The blade-like element 59 as shown is elongated and bent centrally and longitudinally thereof, to effect a longitudinal generally vertical-portion with'itwo extending. side'portions from the upper and lower extremities of. said vertical portion which are respectively identified by the numerals 51 and 52. These side portionsSl and 52.are

, in substantially parallel relation. The tail or outer ends of theportions 51 and 52 are respectively bentfrom the respective planes thereof in opposed directibnsftowards the central transverse'plane of the element 50 to provide substantially triangular diverting: sections f 55 and 56.

Spaced inwardly from the outer or tail end'bf, element 50 in the outer sides of sections 51 and 52 are retention notches 57. Rearwardly of the notches 57 the outer sides "*"orw of sections 51 and 52 are respectively extended in substantially parallel relation, diverting slightly from the general trapezoidal configuration of the outer or tail portion of the element 50. At the inner extremities of the sections 51 and 52 diverting wing elements 53 and 54 are provided which are of a generally triangular nature and bent in diverging relation from each other and from the central longitudinal plane of element 50.

This blade-like element 50 is engaged in the inflating tube of a balloon with the trapezoidal tail portion thereof extending outwardly therefrom and the bead on the infiating tube of the balloon engaging in the retention notches 57 in the element 50 to hold it in tightly secured relation thereto. The particular structure effected by this preferred embodiment affords a positive control of vibration of the inflating tube of the balloon by the inclusion of the diverging inner wings 53 and 54 in the manner indicated and this results in a pleasing jet noise on release of the balloon on inflation thereof. This is caused as the air passes wings 53 and 54 in escape from the balloon. Also, the tail diverting sections 55 and 56 which are in opposed diverging relation divert the air as it escapes through the respective channels provided by the generally vertical longitudinal portion of the blade-like element. The diversion of the air by the section 55 and 56 causes an initially diverging and twisting stabilized jet air stream from the balloon to cause the balloon to be propelled substantially vertically to substantial heights in a stabilized jet propelled manner, providing a uniquely appealing toy.

The modification of the invention presented in Fig. 7 of the drawings provides a blade-like element of corrugated forrn designated by the numeral 41. Side flanges El and 32 of a sirnilar nature are provided on the element ll and they extend in opposed directions. But here the element 41 is twisted to the form of a helix so that on insertion thereof in the inflation opening of a balloon B as proposed in Fig. 1 of the drawings two twisting jet channels are effected thereby from the balloon in a manner believed to be obvious. Thus, on inflation of the balloon and release thereof, a naturally twisting balancing jet air stream is metered from the balloon by the element 41 to effect a rocket-like ascent of the toy.

Thus a distinct and novel advance in the toy art is effected by the subject invention. It provides a highly effective and delightful childrens toy which gives'a superior and most satisfactory performancein a manner not previously contemplated in the art. While a limited number of embodiments of the invention have been presented herein, these are merely illustrative and many other modifications thereof will be readily apparent therefrom to those versed in the art and such is considered to be within the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for use in combination with a balloon to effect a jet propulsion thereof comprising, a bladelike element for securing in the inflation opening trans versely of the balloon, said element having portions to either side of the central axis thereof bent from the central plane thereof in uniform but directly reversed fashion to define spaced jet channels through the balloon inflation opening, and longitudinally extending sections integral with said blade-like element respectively to either side of the central axis thereof and diverging relative the central plane to effect an initial relative divergence of the jet channel paths whereby on inflation of the balloon and release thereof, the inflating air will be metered through said spaced channels, the diverging sections providing an initially diverging and twisting stabilizing propulsive jet air stream to propel the balloon to substantial heights in a spinning stabilized rocket-like fashion.

2. Apparatus for use in combination with a toy balloon to effect a jet propulsion thereof comprising, a bladelike element arranged for secured engagement in and transversely of the inflation opening in the balloon, said element having portions to either side of the central axis bent from the central plane thereof in uniform but directly reversed fashion to define spaced jet channels in conjunction with the inflation opening of the balloon, and means defining extensions of said channels connected with said element respectively to either side of said central axis and relatively diverging in nature whereby on inflation of the balloon and release thereof, the inflating air will be metered through said spaced jet channels, the relatively diverging extensions on said element effecting an initially diverging and twisting stabilizing propulsive jet air stream to propel the balloon in spinning stabilized rocket-like fashion.

3. A jet balloon toy comprising, a balloon having an inflation opening therein, a preformed blade-like element secured in said inflation opening transversely thereof, said element at said opening having a cross-section defining two jet passages therethrough, and integral end sections on said element uniformly arranged to either side of the central axis of said element in relatively diverging relation whereby on inflation of the balloon and release thereof, a twisting propulsive jet air stream will be metered from said balloon efifecting a spinning stabilized rocket-like ascent thereof to substantial heights.

4. The structure as set forth in claim 3, said cross section of said element at said inflation opening being such as to provide free cross-sectional lengths of the balloon at the inflation opening whereby on release of the balloon after inflation, a humming noise will be effected by the escaping air jets as the balloon is rocketed upwards thereby.

5. A jet balloon toy comprising, a balloon having an inflation opening therein, a blade-like metering element, retention means in said element whereby it is secured in fixed relation to the balloontransversely of the inflation opening thereof, said element having portions to either side of the central axis thereof bent from the central plane thereof in uniform but directly reversed fashion to define spaced channels from the balloon as fixed thereto, and deflecting means defining extensions of said channels arranged integrally with said element and relatively diverging in nature whereby on inflation of the balloon and release thereof, the inflating air will be metered through said jet channels, the relatively diverging deflecting means effecting aninitially diverging twisting stabilizing jet air stream from the balloon to propel it in spinning stabilized rocket fashion.

6. A jet propelled balloontoy comprising, a balloon of aerodynamic contour on inflation, said balloon having an inflation opening therein, a pre-formed blade-like metering element secured in and transversely of said inflation opening and having a generally trapezoidal configuration, said element being bent to provide spaced jet channels in .conjunction with the means defining the balloon inflation opening, the channel portions effected in said element being uniformly offset from the central axis thereof and including sections in relatively diverging relation whereby on inflation of said balloon and release thereof, said element will effect a twisting pro-. pulsive jet air stream to be metered from the balloon and a resulting spinning stabilized rocket-like ascent thereof to substantial heights.

7. A jet propelled balloon toy comprising, a balloon having an inflation opening therein and a generally aerodynamic configuration, a blade-like element secured in and transversely of said inflation opening and uniformly bent in reverse fashion relative the central axis thereof to effect uniform spaced jet channels therethrough, said element having means integrally connected therewith respectively to either side of said central axis and relatively diverging in nature to provide balancing initially diverging jet paths from said balloon whereby on inflation of said balloon and release thereof, the air introduced therein will be metered therefrom by said element to effect a twisting propulsive jet air stream and a rementuniformly' bent in reverse fashion providing op positively directed flanges at the sides thereof which are substantially parallel in nature tomaintain the spread of 7 said inflation opening, effecting ease of inflation of said balloon as well as providing free lengths of said balloon at the inflation openingso that on jet'propulsion of said balloon the metered air will vibrate said free lengths effecting a jet noise.

9. Apparatus for use in conjunction with a toy balloon to effect a jet propulsion thereof comprising, a blade-,7 like'element arranged for secured engagement in the inflation opening of the balloon consisting of a sheet-like section centrallynotched atthe outer end thereof,tflange means to either side of the central axis of said sheet sec: tion effecting a' generally Z-shaped cross-section'thereto, said sheet-like section having relatively diverging jet deflectingmeans to either side of the central axis thereof whereby on inflation of said balloon with said element secured therein and release thereof, the ,air introduced therein will be' metered from the balloon, effecting a twisting propulsive jet air stream and a resulting spinning stabilized rocket-like ascentof the balloon to substantial heights. e 10. The apparatuses set forth in claim 9. wherein saidjet deflecting means consist of relatively diverging exten-f sion-tabs .at said outer end of saidislieet-like section and respectively to either side of the notch therein whereby on the inflating air being metered from the balloon, said tabs effect an initial divergence of the air jetslefiected by said blade-like element whereby the twisting propulsive jet air stream results. l1.-'Apparatus for use in combination with'a toy ballike element for secured engagement in and transversely of the'inflation opening of the balloon, said element being centrally offset providing equal sideportions extending in substantially parallel planes, the central section provid ing the offset'forming a central vertical section in crossloon to' effect a jet propulsion thereof comprising, a bla'desection relative the inflationcpening of the balloon as secured thereinand effecting jet passages from the ballon deflecting-means 'whereby' on 'inflationand release of the balloon; the inflating will-be metered therefrom by said element effecting a spinning stabilized propulsion of 'theballoon with an'accompany'ing jet noise.

1 2. {A jet'propel led'balloon toy comprising, afballoon having an inflation; opening therein and the closed end thereof opposite said inflation opening fabricated so said closed end inflates firstg a. preformed blade-like element secured in the inflation opening and'having an elongated Z-shaped cross-sectional. configuration to' form. jet pask sages from said balloon, the central portion of the crosssectional configuration of said element maintaining a pre:

13. The structure as set forth in' laim 12 wherein said means providing relativelyfdiverging paths consist of extension tabs on said element respectively to either side'of.

the central axis thereof and relatively diverging in-nature in conjunctiontherewith, said side portions having jet; 7

8 to effect the desired twisting air stream and the resulting stabilizing of the toy in flight. r V t 14. Apparatus for use'in combination with a balloon to effect a jet propelled toy comprising, a blade-like element for secured engagement in the inflation opening of the balloon, said element being centrally offset from the outer end thereof, said outer end maintaining a straight line configuration, and oppositely directed and substantially parallel side flanges on said element to maintain the spread of the inflation opening when secured therein and effecting spacedrelatively diverging jet paths from .the balloon thereby whereby on inflation of the balloon and release thereof, a twisting propulsive jet air stream will be directed from the balloon, effecting a spinning stabilized propulsion thereof.

15. Apparatus for use in combination with a toy balicon to effect a jet propulsion thereof comprising, juxtapositioned sheet-like elements of substantially rigid matial relatively diverging from a common line forming the outer extremity thereof, means connecting said elements and maintaining the relative divergence thereof, equal oppositely directed. flange elements ofa triangular nature at the oppositesides of said sheet-like elements, said flange elements and said connecting means being in substantially parallel relation whereby on securing said apparatus in the inflation opening of the balloon relatively diverging jet channels from said balloon are effected thereby so that on inflation of said balloon and release thereof a twisting propulsive jet air stream is metered therefrom effecting a spinning stabilized jet propulsion thereof.

16. Apparatus for use in the inflation opening of a balloon to effect a jet propulsion thereof, comprising, a

' balloon, and inflation and release thereof, the balloon will be propelled upward in a rocket-like fashion and a pleasant humming jet noise will result thereby. i

n 17. Apparatus for usein combination with-a toy bal loon'to effect a jet propulsion thereof comprising, a blade like element for secured engagement in and transversely of the inflation opening of theballoon, said element hav-' ing a generally corrugated cross-section, reversely directed flanges at the sides thereof, said blade-like element being- 1 twisted about the centralaxis thereof to assume a-gem er-ally helical configuration, and said blade-likeelement on insertion in the inflation opening of the balloon effecting twisting jet passages therefrom .whereby on inflation of the balloon and release thereofQa twisting jet propelling air stream will issue therefrom providing a spinning stabilized jet-propulsion thereof. n n

ReferencesCited injthe fileiof-this patent t uN ransrnras rATENTs; 1

2,661,692 a Vegren. f Dec. 8, 1953 

